January 25

Born in 1443 in Friesland, Ygo Gales Galama became a leading figure in the resistance of the Schieringer faction against Burgundian influence. Known for his fierce leadership and military strategy, he orchestrated raids on enemy strongholds and rallied local chieftains to defend Frisian autonomy. His rebellion culminated in the Battle of Warns, where local forces achieved a symbolic victory over the invaders. Despite early successes, Galama's forces were eventually overwhelmed, and he met his end in 1492. His death marked a turning point in the struggle for Frisian independence, but his legacy lived on in regional folklore. Today, Galama is remembered as a symbol of Frisian courage and the unyielding spirit of local resistance.

Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen was born in 1778 in the Russian Empire and joined the Imperial Russian Navy as a young officer. In 1819–1821, he led a circumnavigation on the ships Vostok and Mirny, during which he was among the first to sight the Antarctic continent in 1820. Bellingshausen also produced detailed maps of the islands in the Southern Ocean. He later rose to the rank of admiral and commanded the Black Sea Fleet. His expeditions expanded scientific knowledge of polar regions and advanced naval cartography. Bellingshausen’s discoveries remain celebrated in the history of exploration.

Richard Stoddert Ewell was born in 1817 in Georgetown, D.C., and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He served with distinction in the Mexican–American War before resigning to join the Confederate Army. As a corps commander under Robert E. Lee, Ewell fought at battles such as Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg. He became known for his leadership at the Second Battle of Winchester and his cautious decision-making at Gettysburg’s Cemetery Hill. After the Civil War, Ewell worked to assist Confederate veterans. He died in 1872, leaving a complex legacy as one of the Confederate Army’s senior officers.

Born in 1816, Dmitry Milyutin climbed the ranks to become Minister of War of Imperial Russia from 1861 to 1881. He introduced universal military service, standardized training, and modernized equipment, transforming army structure and readiness. His reforms professionalized the officer corps and established military academies that elevated strategic education. Milyutin also reorganized logistics and administration, laying the groundwork for a modern standing army. Beyond his military achievements, he influenced Russian defense policy through his writings and government service. He died in 1912, celebrated as the architect of Russia's military transformation.

Charles Davidson Dunbar was born in 1870 and enlisted in the British Army, where his skill on the bagpipes quickly stood out. He rose to the rank of Pipe Major, leading regimental bands and performing at military ceremonies across the British Empire. Dunbar's precise technique and musicality earned him acclaim among both soldiers and piping enthusiasts. He composed and arranged numerous tunes that remain part of the standard bagpipe repertoire. Beyond his military duties, he taught piping and mentored young musicians, influencing the tradition. Dunbar died in 1939, remembered as one of Scotland's most influential military pipers.

Born in 1892, Erhard Milch rose through the ranks of the Imperial German Army before becoming deputy commander of the Luftwaffe. As State Secretary for Aviation under the Nazi regime, he oversaw aircraft production and development, including projects like the Ju 388 and Me 262. Milch played a central role in expanding Germany’s bomber and transport fleets, significantly impacting the aerial war effort. After World War II, he was tried at Nuremberg for war crimes related to forced labor in armaments factories and was sentenced to 20 years, though he was released in 1954. Milch died in 1972, and his legacy remains contested between his technical achievements and the ethical breaches of the regime he served.

Born in 1941 and a cousin of Saddam Hussein, al-Majid rose to become Minister of Defence and a key military commander. He earned the nickname 'Chemical Ali' after overseeing the use of chemical weapons against Kurdish civilians in 1988. Al-Majid led Iraqi forces during the Iran-Iraq War and played a central role in suppressing uprisings. He was convicted by an Iraqi tribunal for war crimes and crimes against humanity in 2007. At his trial, evidence detailed mass executions and deportations under his command. He was executed in 2010 after exhausting legal appeals.